Network Rail Issues Apology to Brentford Fans
Local train stations to be closed on day of match against Manchester United
Kew Bridge Station will be closed on match day. Picture: Google Streetview
Network Rail has issued an apology for what it is describing as the ‘own goal’ of carrying out engineering works on the same day as a big match at the GTech Community Stadium.
The Bees are due to play Manchester United on Saturday 13 August in their first home game of the season, but Kew Bridge and Brentford stations will be closed due to work on signals taking place on the Hounslow Loop.
A bus replacement service will be in operation from Saturday 13 August to Tuesday 16 August. In addition, there will be roadworks on the A4 reducing it to one lane westbound between Hogarth Roundabout and Chiswick Roundabout which is expected to lead to substantial traffic delays in the area.
It will also not be possible to enter Gunnersbury Station for one hour after the final whistle. Brentford FC have recommended a number of other stations within a 20-25 minute walking distance for people using public transport including South Acton, Chiswick Park, South Ealing, Turnham Green and Kew Gardens.
Network Rail’s managing director for Wessex route, Mark Killick, said, “We know our work will make getting to Saturday’s match more difficult and we’re really sorry for the disruption. This is part of a massive £375m scheme to improve the railway in the area by replacing old 1970s signalling equipment with modern kit.
“Resignalling schemes like this one, and the track work that goes with it, are one of the best ways we have of improving the reliability of our network, so it’s really important we do the job and I’m grateful to our customers for their patience.
“By doing this work over four days, rather that splitting it up between weekends, means we can get much more done and we can make more progress on improving the railway with less disruption to our customers.”
Christian Neill, Customer Experience Director for South Western Railway, added, “The decision to close the railway for four days, including two working days on the Monday and Tuesday, has not been taken lightly. We urge all customers intending to travel from Saturday morning until the end of Tuesday to check before they travel and make use of the alternative transport options available.”
Sally Stephens, Community Relations Director at Brentford FC, added, “We’ve been working closely with South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail about the planned engineering works that will impact our first home game of the season.
“It’s clearly frustrating for our fans to have their journeys disrupted for our prestigious home season opener against Manchester United but we welcome the clear advanced communication. All supporters are advised to arrive early on Saturday and to check their route before they travel.
"We’d like to thank those customers impacted by these works for their patience and understanding as this vital upgrade is carried out.”
The new signalling technology on the Hounslow Loop is set to go live in August next year 2023, before the final phase in Wokingham is switched on in 2024.
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August 2, 2022